Each year, schools mark the birthday of legendary children’s author Dr. Seuss by celebrating Read Across America Week. Although most schools will hold events today, Hopewell got an early jump on the fun on Thursday.

Seuss, who died in 1991 at age 87, would have been 108 years old today.

Guest readers including Mayor Thomas Hoye Jr., Superintendent Julie Hackett and School Committeeman Peter Corr visited the school to read aloud to the children. Hopewell’s corporate partner, Bristol County Savings Bank, also provided readers for two hours.

With her black umbrella held aloft, Principal Tara Gagnon dressed as her favorite literary character, Mary Poppins. Speaking in a faux English accent, she stayed in character for much of the day.

“Reading is so important,” she said. I think that it’s important that we, as teachers, came in with our favorite books. Reading is for lifelong learners.”

This was the first year that Hopewell allowed children to come in dressed as literary characters, provided they brought a copy of their favorite book into school Thursday.

“It’s a great day to get kids interested in books,” said third-grade teacher Jane McGuire, who dressed as Little Red Riding Hood for the day. “By third grade, there’s a shift. In the early grades, they start learning to read. In third grade, there’s a bigger shift toward reading to learn.”

During the morning, the cafeteria served dishes green-dyed scrambled eggs and ham, a reference to the classic Dr. Seuss book "Green Eggs and Ham."

Some of his best-known works include “Green Eggs and Ham,” “The Cat in the Hat,” “Horton Hears a Who” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Several of his works have been adapted into films, including “The Lorax” which opens today on what would have been his 108th birthday.